When Sam Walker runs out for the Roosters on Saturday night for a must-win clash against the Tigers, it will have been four-and-a-half months since the talented playmaker featured at NRL level.
The 21-year-old was controversially dropped after the Round 7 loss against the Sharks. He would then suffer a knee injury in NSW Cup which kept him out for a fair chunk of the season.
After two games back from injury for the North Sydney Bears, playing 80 minutes in both and showing plenty of command of his game and his team, Walker has done enough to impress coach Trent Robinson and earn a spot back in the NRL team.
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Walker will start at halfback for the red-hot Roosters, who can take one step closer to an improbable finals berth with a win against the Tigers.
NRL 360’s Braith Anasta wondered if Walker’s inclusion was a surprise to anyone else.
“He’s…